stephen hawking is a theoretical physicist. he was the professor of mathematics at the universe of cambridge for 30 years. he's the 2009 recipient of the presidential medal of freedom and co-author of a brilliant and controversial new book "the grand design." we welcome him back to "larry king live." we have a serious of questions planned. let's get right to it. stephen, why is it important to find the grand design of our universe? >> i believe everyone should have a broad picture of how the universe operates and our place in it. it is a basic human desire and it also puts our worries in perspective. >> larry: you say science can explain the universe without the need for a creator. what is that explanation? why is there something instead of nothing? >> gravity and quantum theory cause universes to be created spontaneously out of nothing. >> larry: you write that because in is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. will you tell me how that law came into existence? >> gravity is a consequenc